Clinicopathologic studies on perineural invasion of bile duct carcinoma

Three-dimensional analysis of perineural invasion in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma using tissue clearing

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a characteristic invasion pattern of distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC). Conventional histopathologic examination is a challenging approach to analyze the spatial relationship between cancer and neural tissue in full-thickness bile duct specimens. Therefore, we used a tissue clearing method to examine PNI in DCC with three-dimensional (3D) structural analysis. The immunolabeling-enabled 3D imaging of solvent-cleared organs method was performed to examine 20 DCC specimens from five patients and 8 non-neoplastic bile duct specimens from two controls. The bile duct epithelium and neural tissue were labeled with CK19 and S100 antibodies, respectively. Two-dimensional hematoxylin/eosin staining revealed only PNI around thick nerve fibers in the deep layer of the bile duct, whereas PNI was not identified in the superficial layer. 3D analysis revealed that the parts of DCC closer to the mucosa exhibited more nerves than the normal bile duct. The nerve fibers were continuously branched and connected with thick nerve fibers in the deep layer of the bile duct. DCC formed a tubular structure invading from the epithelium and extending around thin nerve fibers in the superficial layer. DCC exhibited continuous infiltration around the thick nerve fibers in the deep layer. This is the first study using a tissue clearing method to examine the PNI of DCC, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms.

A novel method for predicting perineural invasion of distal cholangiocarcinoma on multidetector-row computed tomography

PURPOSE

Excessive perineural invasion (PNI) is associated with a high risk of radial margin (RM) positivity and a poor prognosis for patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC). This study evaluates a new method of predicting the extent of PNI preoperatively.

METHODS

The subjects of this retrospective study were 201 patients who underwent resection for DCC between 2002 and 2018. This study identified the 'periductal enation sign' (PES), defined as the surrounding soft tissue enhancement that appears as an enation from the circumference of the enhanced extrahepatic bile duct on multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) scans, as a predictor of PNI. We analyzed the outcomes of the patients in relation to the presence or absence of the PES on MDCT scans.

RESULTS

The PES in the PNI-positive group was significantly longer than that in the PNI-negative group. As the length of the PES extended, the grade of PNI increased. A positive PES was defined as a PES length of ≥ 2.0 mm. Patients with a positive PES were more frequently positive for RM (23.7% vs. 2.1%) and locoregional recurrence (23.7% vs. 6.3%) and exhibited significantly poorer overall survival than those with a negative PES (30.2% vs. 54.6% at 5 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence and extent of PNI can be predicted easily and effectively by the PES length. A positive PES was associated with poor local controllability and a poor prognosis.

The Efficacy of S-1 as Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resected Biliary Tract Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis

Even though S-1 is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, there is no evidence for its use in an adjuvant setting for biliary tract carcinoma (BTC). Patients who underwent surgical treatment for BTC between August 2007 and December 2018 were selected. Propensity score matching was performed between patients who received S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy (S-1 group) and those who underwent surgical treatment alone (observation group). Of 170 eligible patients, 38 patients were selected in each group after propensity score matching. Among those in the matched cohort, both the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the S-1 group were significantly longer than those in the observation group (RFS, 61.2 vs. 13.1 months, p = 0.033; OS, not available vs. 28.2 months, p = 0.003). A multivariate analysis of the OS revealed that perineural invasion and adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors. According to a subgroup analysis of the OS, the S-1 group showed significantly better prognoses than the observation group among patients with perineural invasion (p < 0.001). S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy might improve the prognosis of BTC, especially in patients with perineural invasion.

A Surgical Case of Synchronous Double Primary Cancers of the Bile Duct and Pancreas

A 54-year-old woman was seen at another hospital because of jaundice. Computed tomography showed an unclear boundary and a poorly enhanced mass lesion in the pancreatic body, measuring 28 mm in diameter. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed stenosis of the lower bile duct and the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic body, and slight dilatation of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic tail. According to these findings, the preoperative diagnosis was synchronous double cancers of primary lower bile duct cancer and pancreatic body cancer. We performed pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with splenic artery and vein resection. A histopathologic examination revealed that the lower bile duct tumor was moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, and the pancreatic body tumor was moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. These 2 tumors showed no histopathologic continuity. According to these pathologic findings, we gave the patient a diagnosis of synchronous double cancers of primary lower bile duct cancer and pancreatic body cancer. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 48th day after surgery. However, she died of multiple organ failure due to cancer recurrence 22 months after surgery.

Oncologic Reappraisal of Bile Duct Resection for Middle-Third Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although bile duct resection (BDR) in addition to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered a surgical approach in patients with middle-third cholangiocarcinoma (MCC), available prognostic information after BDR remains very limited. The aim of this study was to reappraise BDR from the viewpoint of surgical oncology.

METHODS

Patients who underwent BDR or PD for MCC between 2001 and 2010 at 32 Japanese hospitals were included. Clinicopathological factors were retrospectively compared according to surgical procedure to identify a subset cohort who benefited most from BDR.

RESULTS

During the study, 92 patients underwent BDR (n = 38) or PD (n = 54). BDR was characterized by a shorter operation time, less blood loss, less frequent complications, and lower mortality, than PD. The incidence of positive surgical margins was 26.3% versus 5.6% (P = 0.007). The survival rate after BDR was significantly worse than that after PD: 38.8% versus 54.8% at 5 years (P = 0.035), and BDR was independently associated with deteriorated survival [hazard ratio (HR), 1.76; P = 0.023] by multivariable analysis. In the BDR group, tumor length < 15 mm (HR, 3.38; P = 0.017) and ductal margin length ≥ 10 mm (HR, 2.54; P = 0.018) were independent positive prognostic factors. Stratified by these two favorable factors, the 5-year survival rate was 63.0% in patients with 1/2 factors and 6.7% in those with 0 factors (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with MCC, BDR provided a better short-term and a worse long-term outcome than PD. However, patient selection using tumor length and ductal margin length may allow a favorable survival probability even after BDR.

BAP1 mutations define a homogeneous subgroup of hepatocellular carcinoma with fibrolamellar-like features and activated PKA

BACKGROUND & AIMS

DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion is a specific driver event in fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), a rare subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that occurs in adolescents and young adults. In older patients, molecular determinants of HCC with mixed histological features of HCC and FLC (mixed-FLC/HCC) remain to be discovered.

METHODS

A series of 151 liver tumors including 126 HCC, 15 FLC, and 10 mixed-FLC/HCC were analyzed by RNAseq and whole-genome- or whole-exome sequencing. Western blots were performed to validate genomic discoveries. Results were validated using the TCGA database.

RESULTS

Most of the mixed-FLC/HCC RNAseq clustered in a robust subgroup of 17 tumors, which all had mutations or translocations inactivating BAP1, the gene encoding BRCA1-associated protein-1. Like FLC, BAP1-HCC were significantly enriched in females, patients with a lack of chronic liver disease, and fibrotic tumors compared to non-BAP1 HCC. However, patients were older and had a poorer prognosis than those with FLC. BAP1 tumors were immune hot, showed progenitor features and did not show DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion, while almost none of these tumors had mutations in CTNNB1, TP53 and TERT promoter. In contrast, 80% of the BAP1 tumors showed a chromosome gain of PRKACA at 19p13, combined with a loss of PRKAR2A (coding for the inhibitory regulatory subunit of PKA) at 3p21, leading to a high PRKACA/PRKAR2A ratio at the mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSION

We have characterized a subgroup of BAP1-driven HCC with fibrolamellar-like features and a dysregulation of the PKA pathway, which could be at the root of the clinical and histological similarities between BAP1 tumors and DNAJB1-PRKACA FLCs.

LAY SUMMARY

Herein, we have defined a homogeneous subgroup of hepatocellular carcinomas in which the BAP1 gene is inactivated. This leads to the development of cancers with features similar to those of fibrolamellar carcinoma. These tumors more frequently develop in females without chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. The presence of PKA activation and T cell infiltrates suggest that these tumors could be treated with PKA inhibitors or immunomodulators.

Effectiveness of additional resection of the invasive cancer-positive proximal bile duct margin in cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background

The survival benefits of additional resection of the positive proximal ductal margin (PM) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) remains controversial. This retrospective study investigated the effectiveness of additional resection of the invasive cancer PM under different levels of preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9).

Methods

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCCA from 2000 to 2017 were analyzed. Surgical variables, resection margin status, length of the PM (LPM), prognostic factors, and survival were evaluated.

Results

A total of 228 patients were enrolled: 175 PM(-) without additional resection patients (group A), 21 PM(-) after additional resection (group B), 16 PM(+) without additional resection (group C), and 16 PM(+) after additional resection (group D). The median survival of group B (20.99 months) was similar to that of group A (23.00 months; P=0.16), and both were significantly better than those of group C (11.60 months) and D (9.50 months), especially when preoperative CA19-9>150 U/mL (P<0.05). The survival of patients with an LPM >10 mm was significantly better compared with those with an LPM ≤10 mm, especially when preoperative CA19-9 was >150 U/mL (P<0.05). Only in the LPM >10 mm group, the survival of group B was comparable with that of group A (P>0.05).

Conclusions

HCCA patients could get a survival benefit from a negative PM resulting from additional resection. Survival could be comparable with that of negative PM without additional resection among HCCA patients. An LPM >10 mm is possibly more associated with better survival compared with whether additional resection of the positive PM is performed under different levels of preoperative CA19-9.

Is Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy an Acceptable Operation for Biliary Cancer?

Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) is usually indicated for the resection of locally advanced bile duct (BD) cancer or gallbladder (GB) cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated a favorable survival rate in BD cancer patients after HPD if R0 resection is achieved. By contrast, the benefit of HPD for GB cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of GB and BD cancer after HPD. Between January 2004 and December 2013, a total of 22 patients underwent HPD for BD (n = 14) or GB cancer (n = 8). We analyzed the survival, mortality, morbidity, and prognostic factors. After HPD, the mortality rate was 4.5 per cent and the morbidity rate was 68.2 per cent. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 50.0 per cent of the patients (grade A, 40.9%; grade B, 9.1%). Liver failure did not occur. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for BD cancer patients were 57.1, 17.9, and 17.9 per cent and those for GB cancer patients were 62.5, 25.0, and 25.0 per cent, respectively ( P = 0.768). In BD cancer, significant prognostic factors were tumor size, portal vein invasion, multiple lymph node metastases, and operation time. Furthermore, BD cancer patients with three or more of risk factors showed poorer survival than those with fewer than three risk factors. HPD for GB and BD cancer can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates. GB cancer patients who underwent HPD showed comparable survival rates compared with BD cancer patients. Long-term survival can be achieved in selected patients with BD cancer.

Cutaneous Metastasis of Adenocarcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater

Cutaneous metastases from an adenocarcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater are very rare, with only a few cases previously reported. We present here an additional case in a 57-year-old woman who complained of a painful growth on her frontal scalp that she had noticed 4 months earlier. Her medical history included an ampullary adenocarcinoma, which was diagnosed 4 years ago, excised through a Whipple procedure, and treated using chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The scalp biopsy showed a dermal and epidermotropic well-differentiated glandular neoplasm with abundant neutrophils within the luminae of the tumoral glands. The tumor failed to express p63 and cytokeratin 5/6, whereas it was intensively positive for CK7 and E-cadherin. CDX2 expression was weak and focal. The immunohistochemical expression of DNA mismatch-repair proteins (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2) was preserved. Despite oncological treatment, the patient developed multiple cutaneous metastases during the ensuing several months, and eventually died 6 years after her initial diagnosis with widespread metastases.

Different Clinical Characteristics Between Distal Cholangiocarcinoma and Pancreatic Head Carcinoma With Biliary Obstruction

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative clinical characteristics between patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) and pancreatic head carcinoma (PHC) with biliary obstruction.

METHODS

This study included patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy and were diagnosed with DCC (n = 85) or PHC (n = 90) by final pathological examination. Perioperative clinical characteristics were compared for patients with DCC versus PHC with biliary obstruction.

RESULTS

Median coronal thickness of the pancreatic neck was significantly greater, whereas the main pancreatic duct diameter was significantly smaller in patients with DCC than patients with PHC. Most patients with DCC (95%) had a soft pancreas, whereas only 29% of patients with PHC had. The incidence rates of overall morbidity, infectious complications, and pancreatic fistula were significantly higher in patients with DCC than those in patients with PHC. Eleven DCC patients (12%) were preoperatively misdiagnosed with PHC. Among them, intraductal ultrasonography of the bile duct was performed in 7 patients, and the presence of PHC was suspected in 3 of these patients because intraductal ultrasonography detected a small intrapancreatic mass.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clearly showed different perioperative characteristics between patients with DCC and PHC. It is not uncommon to misdiagnose PHC as DCC. Intraductal ultrasonography may be helpful in differentiating DCC and PHC.

Management of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: how do we decide among the various liver-directed treatments?

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma often causes death due to obstruction of the biliary system or interruption of the vascular supply of the liver. This fact emphasizes the critical need for local tumor control in this disease. Successful local tumor control has traditionally been achievable through surgical resection for the small proportion of patients with operable tumors. Technological advances in radiation oncology and in interventional radiology have enabled the delivery of ablative radiation doses or other cytotoxic therapies for tumors in the liver. In some cases, this has translated into substantial prolongation of life for patients with this disease, but the indications for these different treatment options are still the subject of ongoing debate. Here, we review the technological advances and clinical studies that are changing the way intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is managed, and discuss ways to achieve individualized treatment of patients.

Anticancer activities of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against cholangiocarcinoma cells

PURPOSE

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an antioxidant agent derived from green tea. Because it has chemopreventive and anti-invasive effect against various cancer cells, EGCG can be used to inhibit proliferation and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells.

METHODS

The anticancer effects of EGCG were studied using human CCA cells (HuCC-T1). Apoptosis was analyzed by Western blotting. Invasion and migration of cancer cells were assessed with Matrigel® and wound healing assays. An animal tumor xenograft model of HuCC-T1 was used to study the in vivo antitumor activities of EGCG.

RESULTS

EGCG effectively inhibited the growth of HuCC-T1 cells with no adverse effects on the viability of 293T cells. EGCG induced apoptotic cell death at 5 µg/mL concentration. It inhibited the expression of mutant p53 and induced apoptotic molecular signals such as Bax/Bcl-2, Caspase, and cytochrome C. Furthermore, EGCG dose-dependently inhibited the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9, invasion, and migration. In the animal tumor xenograft model of HuCC-T1 cells, EGCG was subcutaneously administered beside the tumor for local treatment. EGCG efficiently inhibited growth of the tumor and suppressed carcinogenic molecular signals such as Notch1, MMP-2/9, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen.

CONCLUSION

EGCG induced apoptosis of cancer cells without adverse effects on normal cells. EGCG inhibited growth, invasion, and migration of HuCC-T1 cells. We suggest EGCG as a promising candidate for local treatment of CCA.

Nerve Growth Factor Expression Is Not Associated with Perineural Invasion in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although the presence of perineural invasion has been recognized as a poor prognostic factor in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the molecular mechanisms of perineural invasion in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remain unclear. Nerve growth factor has been reported to be a candidate predictive biomarker of perineural invasion in some cancers.

AIM

To investigate the impact of intratumoral nerve growth factor expression in resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma on survival.

METHODS

Intratumoral nerve growth factor expression was investigated immunohistochemically in 112 patients with resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Associations between nerve growth factor expression and clinicopathological factors were statistically evaluated, and risk factors for poor survival were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

High and low nerve growth factor expression was observed in 62 (55%) and 50 (45%) patients, respectively. For all 112 patients, no significant correlation was found between nerve growth factor expression and presence of perineural invasion (P = 0.942). Moreover, nerve growth factor expression was not associated with recurrence-free survival (P = 0.861) and overall survival (P = 0.973). In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004) was identified as an independent risk factor for early recurrence and the presence of perineural invasion (P = 0.002) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001) was identified as independent risk factors for poor survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Intratumoral nerve growth factor expression is not associated with perineural invasion or recurrence-free and overall survival in patients with resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

An Increased Number of Perineural Invasions Is Independently Associated With Poor Survival of Patients With Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the number of perineural invasions (PNIs) in resected specimens on the survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 209 patients underwent surgical resection for PDAC between 1999 and 2013 was performed. The severity of PNI was evaluated by counting the number of PNIs in all sections with PDAC. The relationships of the number of PNIs with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

At least 1 PNI was observed in 197 (94%) of 209 patients. Significant differences in DFS and OS were found between groups when analyzed by the median number of PNIs (≥25 vs <25) (DFS: P < 0.0001; OS: P < 0.0001) and among tertiles greater than 40 versus 40 to 14 versus less than 14 (DFS: P < 0.0001, OS: P < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, an increased number of PNIs (>40 vs 40-14 vs <14) was identified as an independent risk factor for poor DFS (P < 0.0001) and OS (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of PNI evaluated by counting the number of PNIs in resected specimens was useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with resectable PDAC.

Anticancer activity of streptochlorin, a novel antineoplastic agent, in cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer activity of streptochlorin, a novel antineoplastic agent, in cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

The anticancer activity of streptochlorin was evaluated in vitro in various cholangiocarcinoma cell lines for apoptosis, proliferation, invasiveness, and expression of various protein levels. A liver metastasis model was prepared by splenic injection of HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells using a BALB/c nude mouse model to study the systemic antimetastatic efficacy of streptochlorin 5 mg/kg at 8 weeks. The antitumor efficacy of subcutaneously injected streptochlorin was also assessed using a solid tumor xenograft model of SNU478 cells for 22 days in the BALB/c nude mouse.

RESULTS

Streptochlorin inhibited growth and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor by cholangiocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition, streptochlorin effectively inhibited invasion and migration of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cholangiocarcinoma cells were also suppressed by treatment with streptochlorin. Streptochlorin effectively regulated metastasis of HuCC-T1 cells in a mouse model of liver metastasis. In a tumor xenograft study using SNU478 cells, streptochlorin significantly inhibited tumor growth without changes in body weight when compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal that streptochlorin is a promising chemotherapeutic agent to the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

Preoperative segmental embolization of the proper hepatic artery prior to pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy: A case report

•

Preoperative segmental embolization of the hepatic artery before PPPD for a patient with a replaced left hepatic artery encourages the growth of collateral blood supply, allowing radical resection including the vessels, obviating the need for arterial reconstruction.

Introduction

Radical resection of bile duct carcinoma may require resection of hepatic arteries. Preoperative segmental embolization of the hepatic artery for resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma has been reported. We report a patient with bile duct carcinoma infiltrating the proper hepatic artery.

Presentation of case

A 66-year old male with jaundice was diagnosed with mid-distal bile duct carcinoma. A replaced left hepatic artery originated from the left gastric artery. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) with combined resection of hepatic artery was planned. To promote the development of collateral blood flow after excision of the hepatic artery, preoperative segmental embolization of the proper hepatic artery was performed. The patient underwent PPPD with concurrent resection of the common hepatic, right hepatic, and middle hepatic arteries without arterial reconstruction. He received adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine for six months and is alive three years after surgery without tumor recurrence.

Discussion

The growth of collateral vessels after selective embolization of the proper hepatic artery has been used for hilar lesions and bile duct lesions. Resection of the hepatic artery without the need for complex arterial reconstruction, allowing a radical resection, may have contributed to this patient's relatively unremarkable recovery and long-term survival. Retroperitoneal mobilization of the pancreatic head and duodenum must be limited as important collaterals may originate in that area.

Conclusion

Preoperative segmental embolization of the hepatic artery before PPPD for a patient with a replaced left hepatic artery encouraged the growth of collateral blood supply, allowing radical resection including the vessels and obviated the need for arterial reconstruction.

Portal vein arterialization: a salvage procedure for a totally de-arterialized liver. The Paul Brousse Hospital experience

BACKGROUND

Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has been used as a salvage inflow technique when hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction is deemed impossible in liver transplantation (LT) or hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Outcomes and the management of possible complications have not been well described.

METHODS

The present study analysed outcomes in 16 patients who underwent PVA during the period from February 2005 to January 2011 for HA thrombosis post-LT (n = 7) or after liver resection (n = 1), during curative resection for locally advanced HPB cancers (requiring HA interruption) (n = 7) and for HA resection without reconstruction (n = 1). In addition, a literature review was conducted.

RESULTS

Nine patients were women. The median age of the patients was 58 years (range: 30-72 years). Recovery of intrahepatic arterial signals and PVA shunt patency were documented using Doppler ultrasound until the last follow-up (or until shunt thrombosis in some cases). Of five postoperative deaths, two occurred as a result of haemorrhagic shock, one as a result of liver ischaemia and one as a result of sepsis. The fifth patient died at home of unknown cause. Three patients (19%) had major bleeding related to portal hypertension (PHT). Of these, two underwent re-exploration and one underwent successful shunt embolization to control the bleeding. Four patients (25%) had early shunt thrombosis, two of whom underwent a second PVA. After a median follow-up of 13 months (range: 1-60 months), 10 patients (63%) remained alive with normal liver function and one submitted to retransplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Portal vein arterialization results in acceptable rates of survival in relation to spontaneous outcomes in patients with completely de-arterialized livers. The management of complications (especially PHT) after the procedure is challenging. Portal vein arterialization may represent a salvage option or a bridge to liver retransplantation and thus may make curative resection in locally advanced HPB cancers with vascular involvement feasible.

Imaging bile duct tumors: pathologic concepts, classification, and early tumor detection

Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bile ducts which has several predisposing factors such as hepatolithiasis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and can develop from precancerous conditions such as biliary intraepithelial neoplasia and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct. As surgical resection of early stage cholangiocarcinoma or precancerous lesions may provide better prognosis, early detection of those lesions is very important. Imaging studies play important roles in the diagnosis of bile duct tumors followed by appropriate management. Indeed, not only diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma but also appropriate categorization of bile duct tumors based on their morphologic features and location on cross-sectional imaging studies, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, is important to predict their biologic behaviors, and choose relevant treatment strategies. We herein review the classification system of the bile duct tumors with their radiologic and pathologic findings as well as role of imaging in the early detection of bile duct tumors.

Prognostic factors for survival after curative resection of distal cholangiocarcinoma: perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognostic factors for distal cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection, and to assess the significance of perineural invasion (PNI) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) as prognostic factors.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 91 patients who underwent radical surgery for distal cholangiocarcinoma between March 2004 and October 2011 was performed. We analyzed the survival rate and prognostic factors affecting the survival.

RESULTS

The overall 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 84.1, 49.7 and 38.9 %, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the prognostic factors influencing the survival were the histological differentiation, lymph node (LN) involvement and TNM stage. In the multivariate analysis, LN metastasis was the only independent prognostic factor. Although patients with PNI tended to show poorer survival, it was not a statistically significant factor (3- and 5-year OS; 62.0 and 54.6 % vs. 42.8 and 30.9 %, P = 0.166). In the patients with a total lymph node count (TLNC) of 11 or less, PNI was a significant prognostic factor; however, it was not a significant factor in the patients with a TLNC over 11. Overall, the LVI had no influence on the patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

LN metastasis was the only significant prognostic factor after the curative resection of distal cholangiocarcinoma. In cases where adequate dissection was performed, it appeared that the PNI and LVI had no influence on the survival.

Clinical relevance of frozen diagnosis of ductal margins in surgery of bile duct cancer

It is anticipated that free surgical margin is crucial for curative resection of bile duct cancer. However, the clinical relevance of the ductal margin is somewhat controversial. A role of frozen section diagnosis used for evaluation of the ductal margin during surgery is also ambiguous. We reviewed the current knowledge about frozen section diagnosis and the clinical relevance of the margin status in surgery of the bile duct cancer. Frozen section diagnosis of the ductal margin of bile duct cancer is necessary to ensure free margins; however, it is quite challenging even for experienced pathologists because the bile duct involved with bile duct cancer is often inflamed severely due to obstruction and/or insertion of a draining tube, which induces epithelial regeneration with atypia. Also accessory ducts/peribiliary glands and their conduits in ductal wall can mimic invasive ductal components, which requires careful examination to evaluate regenerative change, carcinoma in situ, or invasive carcinoma. Published studies assessing an association between the ductal margin state and prognosis in relatively large cohorts of patients undergoing surgery for bile duct cancer indicate that the ductal margin status is an independent prognostic factor; and the ductal margin with carcinoma in situ is comparable to free margin; however, the margin with invasive carcinoma is significantly adverse for patients' prognoses.

Assessing resectability in cholangiocarcinoma

Assessment of surgical resectability in cholangiocarcinoma is more complicated than other gastrointestinal malignancies and remains unestablished. According to the primary origin and tumor extent, the applied surgical procedure varies from extrahepatic bile duct resection to right or left trisectionectomy concomitant with pancreatoduodenectomy. Portal vein resection and reconstruction during hepatectomy has been feasible. Thanks to the availability of new microscopic surgical techniques, hepatic arterial resection and reconstruction have also come to be applied for locally advanced cholangiocarcinoma cases. These vascular surgical techniques can expand surgical indications for advanced cholangiocarcinoma. On the other hand, determination of the tumor extent or staging still remains difficult and imprecise. The endoscopic approach has come to play significant roles both for preoperative biliary drainage and tumor staging. Estimation of the functional reserve of future remnant liver in cholestatic patients still remains unresolved. Hepatobiliary surgeons should carefully estimate the safety of the surgical procedure in each individual patient requiring extensive hepatobiliary resection. Early establishment of the measurement methods of the functional capacity of future remnant liver is an important and urgent issue for assessing safer surgical resectablity of cholangiocarcinoma.

Silencing of CXCR4 inhibits tumor cell proliferation and neural invasion in human hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background/Aims

To evaluate the expression of CXC motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in the tissues of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (hilar-CCA) and to investigate the cell proliferation and frequency of neural invasion (NI) influenced by RNAi-mediated CXCR4 silencing.

Methods

An immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of CXCR4 in 41 clinical tissues, including hilar-CCA, cholangitis, and normal bile duct tissues. The effects of small interference RNA (siRNA)-mediated CXCR4 silencing were detected in the hilar-CCA cell line QBC939. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT. Expression of CXCR4 was monitored by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The NI ability of hilar-CCA cells was evaluated using a perineural cell and hilar-CCA cell coculture migration assay.

Results

The expression of CXCR4 was significantly induced in clinical hilar-CCA tissue. There was a positive correlation between the expression of CXCR4 and lymph node metastasis/NI in hilar-CCA patients (p<0.05). Silencing of CXCR4 in tumor cell lines by siRNA led to significantly decreased NI (p<0.05) and slightly decreased cell proliferation.

Conclusions

CXCR4 is likely correlated with clinical recurrence of hilar-CCA. CXCR4 is involved in the invasion and proliferation of human hilar-CCA cell line QBC939, indicating that CXCR4 could be a promising therapeutic target for hilar-CCA.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: value of adding DW imaging to gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging with MR cholangiopancreatography for preoperative evaluation

PURPOSE

To assess the benefit of adding diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging to gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR cholangiopancreatography in the preoperative evaluation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent. The study included 52 patients (36 men, 16 women; mean age, 63.4 years) with surgically confirmed hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging and DW imaging at 3.0 T between August 2010 and December 2011. Two observers independently reviewed two image sets--a gadoxetic acid set, including images from MR cholangiopancreatography, and a combined gadoxetic acid set and DW imaging set--to evaluate the tumor involvement of each biliary confluence and vascular and liver invasion by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

For each observer, area under the ROC curve (Az) values for tumor involvement of the biliary confluence were 0.965 and 0.957 for the gadoxetic acid set and 0.980 and 0.975 for the combined set, respectively (P > .05). For detecting 105 biliary confluences with tumor involvement, the sensitivities with the combined set (97.1% [102 of 105] and 98.1% [103 of 105]) were higher than those with the gadoxetic acid set (91.4% [96 of 105] for both observers) (P = .029 and P = .016), although the specificities were similar with both image sets (P > .05). For the detection of liver invasion, the combined set (75.0% [15 of 20] for both observers) yielded better sensitivity than the gadoxetic acid set (50.0% [10 of 20] and 45.0% [nine of 20]) (P = .016 and P = .031). For evaluation of vascular invasion, the two image sets showed similar diagnostic performance.

CONCLUSION

In the preoperative evaluation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, the addition of DW imaging to gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging could improve sensitivity in the evaluation of tumor extent along the bile duct and liver invasion.

Isolated caudate lobectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy for a bile duct cancer

BACKGROUND

In patients with distal bile duct cancer involving the hepatic hilus, a major hepatectomy concomitant with pancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) is sometimes ideal to obtain a cancer-free resection margin. However, the surgical invasiveness of HPD is considerable.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present our treatment option for patients with distal bile duct cancer showing mucosal spreading to the hepatic hilum associated with impaired liver function. To minimize resection volume of the liver, an isolated caudate lobectomy (CL) with pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) using an anterior liver splitting approach is presented. Liver transection lines and bile duct resection points correspond complete with our standard right and left hemihepatectomies with CL for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

RESULTS

Total operation time was 765 min, and pedicle occlusion time was 124 min, respectively. Although the proximal mucosal cancer extension was identified at both the right and the left hepatic ducts, all resection margins were negative for cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated CL with PD is an alternative radical treatment option for bile duct cancer patients with impaired liver function.

Perineural invasion in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: prognostic impact and treatment strategies

BACKGROUND

The significance of perineural invasion in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to determine the prognostic impact of and optimal treatment strategy for perineural invasion in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Medical records of 133 patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent curative resection were reviewed retrospectively. Ninety-eight patients had perineural invasion and 35 patients did not. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to clarify the prognostic impact of and optimal treatment strategy for perineural invasion.

RESULTS

Only tumor differentiation (P=0.024) was independently associated with perineural invasion in the multivariate logistic regression model. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that perineural invasion (P=0.002), resection margin status(P=0.016), and International Union Against Cancer (UICC) pT factor (P=0.015) were independent prognostic factors of overall survival. Overall 5-year survival rates for patients with and without perineural invasion were 28 and 74 %, respectively. Among 98 patients with perineural invasion, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.003), lymph node status (P=0.015), resection margin status (P=0.008), and UICC pT factor (P=0.016) were independently associated with overall survival by multivariate analysis. Overall 5-year survival rates for patients with perineural invasion who did and did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy were 33 and 21 %, respectively (P=0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Perineural invasion is a potent prognostic factor in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy may improve the overall survival of patients with perineural invasion.

Pathological aspects of so called "hilar cholangiocarcinoma"

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) arising from the large intrahepatic bile ducts and extrahepatic hilar bile ducts share clinicopathological features and have been called hilar and perihilar CC as a group. However, “hilar and perihilar CC” are also used to refer exclusively to the intrahepatic hilar type CC or, more commonly, the extrahepatic hilar CC. Grossly, a major distinction can be made between papillary and non-papillary tumors. Histologically, most hilar CCs are well to moderately differentiated conventional type (biliary) carcinomas. Immunohistochemically, CK7, CK20, CEA and MUC1 are normally expressed, being MUC2 positive in less than 50% of cases. Two main premalignant lesions are known: biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the biliary tract (IPNB). IPNB includes the lesions previously named biliary papillomatosis and papillary carcinoma. A series of 29 resected hilar CC from our archives is reviewed. Most (82.8%) were conventional type adenocarcinomas, mostly well to moderately differentiated, although with a broad morphological spectrum; three cases exhibited a poorly differentiated cell component resembling signet ring cells. IPNB was observed in 5 (17.2%), four of them with an associated invasive carcinoma. A clear cell type carcinoma, an adenosquamous carcinoma and two gastric foveolar type carcinomas were observed.

Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Vorinostat and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate against HuCC-T1 Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the combination of vorinostat and epigallocatechin-3-gallate against HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells. A novel chemotherapy strategy is required as cholangiocarcinomas rarely respond to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Both vorinostat and EGCG induce apoptosis and suppress invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. The combination of vorinostat and EGCG showed synergistic growth inhibitory effects and induced apoptosis in tumor cells. The Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio and caspase-3 and -7 activity increased, but poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression decreased when compared to treatment with each agent alone. Furthermore, invasion, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and migration of tumor cells decreased following treatment with the vorinostat and EGCG combination compared to those of vorinostat or EGCG alone. Tube length and junction number of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) decreased as well as vascular endothelial growth factor expression following vorinostat and EGCG combined treatment. These results indicate that the combination of vorinostat and EGCG had a synergistic effect on inhibiting tumor cell angiogenesis potential. We suggest that the combination of vorinostat and EGCG is a novel option for cholangiocarcinoma chemotherapy.

K-ras mutation is strongly associated with perineural invasion and represents an independent prognostic factor of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Unsatisfying long-term survival of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) triggers the clinicians searching for molecular markers, such as K-ras mutation, to tailor management strategy. Additionally, emergence of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) brings new hope to palliate advanced ICC; whether the efficacy of TKIs is influenced by k-ras mutation is largely unknown. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of k-ras mutation and its clinical significance in ICC, as well as to pave the reference for future application of TKIs.

METHODS

A total of 86 patients with ICC who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively recruited. K-ras mutation was determined by using laser capture microdissection and direct sequencing method. Association among clinicopathological variables and K-ras mutation was analyzed. Prognostic factors of ICC after hepatectomy also were determined.

RESULTS

Nineteen (22%) patients exhibited K-ras mutations. Seventeen had their K-ras mutations occurring at codon 12, and the remaining two occurring at codon 13 and codon 61 in one each. Perineural invasion was exclusively the variable associated with K-ras mutation (odds ratio, 6.9) using logistic regression analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that resection margin, T-status, nodal metastasis, and K-ras mutation were independent prognostic factors. The median survival of ICC patients with K-ras mutation was 5.7 months compared with 19.0 months in those without K-ras mutation (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of K-ras mutations in a considerably large cohort of ICC was 22%. K-ras mutation is strongly associated with perineural invasion phenotypically. K-ras mutation is an independent prognostic factor of ICC after hepatectomy.

Role of caudate lobectomy in type III A and III B hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a 15-year experience in a tertiary institution

BACKGROUND

Concomitant liver resection for type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma could improve the R0 resection rate and long-term outcome. In the present study, we examine the specific role of caudate lobectomy in liver resection for type III(A) and III(B) hilar cholangiocarcinoma and the prognostic factors for survival in this group of patients.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients with type III(A) and III(B) hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent liver resection in Samsung Medical Center from January 1995 to July 2010. Patients were divided into those with and without caudate lobectomy (CL). The log rank test and Cox regression analysis were employed to investigate for prognostic factors of survival.

RESULTS

There were 127 patients in this cohort, 57 without CL (44.9%) and 70 with CL (55.1%). The demographics and symptoms of presentation were comparable. The median preoperative bilirubin level was significantly higher in the group undergoing CL (p = 0.017). Patients with CL had a significantly better overall survival (OS) (CL: 64.0 months vs without CL: 34.6 months) (p = 0.010) and disease-free survival (DFS) (CL: 40.5 months vs without CL: 27.0 months) (p = 0.031). Multivariate analysis showed that presence of symptoms (p = 0.025) and positive lymph node (LN) metastasis (p < 0.001) were negative prognostic factors for OS. Furthermore, multivariate analysis for DFS found that caudate lobectomy (p = 0.016) and positive LN metastasis (p = 0.001) were positive and negative prognostic factors, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Caudate lobectomy contributed to improvement of DFS and OS in type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Other prognostic factors include positive LN metastasis and presence of symptoms.

Survival analysis of cholangiocarcinoma: A 10-year experience in Malaysia

AIM: To investigate the clinical features and survival of patients treated for cholangiocarcinoma in our institution and to analyze the factors affecting their survival.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study assessed patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma between January 1997 and December 2007 at the University Malaya Medical Centre in Malaysia. The clinical data and associated outcomes were collected using a structured proforma.

RESULTS: Of the 69 patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, 38 (55%) were male; mean patient age was 61 years. Twelve patients (17%) had intrahepatic, 38 (55%) had perihilar and 19 (28%) had distal tumors. Only 12 patients underwent curative surgery, including seven R0 resections. Only one patient died within 30 d after surgery. The overall median survival was 4 mo, whereas the median survival of R0 resected patients was 16 mo. The overall 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 67%, 17% and 17%, respectively. Survival rates were significantly associated with curative resection (P = 0.002), intrahepatic tumor (P = 0.003), negative margin status (P = 0.013), early tumor stage (P = 0.016), higher tumor differentiation (P = 0.032) and absence of jaundice (P = 0.038). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor location was a significant independent predictor of patient survival.

CONCLUSION: Curative, margin-negative resection of early stage, well-differentiated intrahepatic tumors is associated with improved patient survival.

Anti-tumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid-incorporated glycol chitosan nanoparticles against HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells

The aim of this study is to investigate antitumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticles. RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles were prepared by electrostatic interaction between RA and amine group of GC. RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles have spherical shape and their particle size was 317 ± 34.5 nm. They were simply reconstituted into aqueous solution without changes of intrinsic properties. RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles were evidently inhibited the proliferation of HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells at higher than 20 μg/ml of RA concentration while empty GC vegicles did not affect to the viablity of tumor cells. Apoptosis and necrosis analysis of tumor cells with treatment of RA or RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles also supported these results. Invasion test using Matrigel also showed that invasion of tumor cells was significantly inhibited at higher than 20 μg/ml of RA concentration. Wound healing assay also showed that RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles were inhibited migration of tumor cells as similar to RA itself. Our results suggested that RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles is a promising vehicles for RA delivery to HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells.

Oncological superiority of hilar en bloc resection for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Long-term results after liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma are still not satisfactory. Previously, we described a survival advantage of patients who undergo combined right trisectionectomy and portal vein resection, a procedure termed "hilar en bloc resection." The present study was conducted to analyze its oncological effectiveness compared to conventional hepatectomy.

PATIENTS

During hilar en bloc resection, the extrahepatic bile ducts were resected en bloc with the portal vein bifurcation, the right hepatic artery, and liver segments 1 and 4 to 8. With this "no-touch" technique, preparation of the hilar vessels in the vicinity of the tumor was avoided. The long-term outcome of 50 consecutive patients who underwent curative (R0) hilar en bloc resection between 1990 and 2004 was compared to that of 50 consecutive patients who received curative conventional major hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (perioperative deaths excluded).

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates after hilar en bloc resection were 87%, 70%, and 58%, respectively, which was significantly higher than after conventional major hepatectomy. In the latter group, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 79%, 40%, and 29%, respectively (P = 0.021). Tumor characteristics were comparable in both groups. A high number of pT3 and pT4 tumors and patients with positive regional lymph nodes were present in both groups. Multivariate analysis identified hilar en bloc resection as an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with central bile duct carcinomas, hilar en bloc resection is oncologically superior to conventional major hepatectomy, providing a chance of long-term survival even in advanced tumors.

Survival benefit of hepatopancreatoduodenectomy for cholangiocarcinoma in comparison to hepatectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinoma remain difficult to treat, and long-term survival is poor. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with cholangiocarcinoma to examine whether hepatopancreatoduodenectomy, in comparison to standard surgeries, provides a survival benefit.

METHODS

Subjects were 75 patients with perihilar or distal cholangiocarcinoma who, between April 1997 and May 2007, underwent hepatectomy with bile duct resection (Hx, n = 29), pancreatoduodenectomy (PD, n = 32), or hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD, n = 14) at our hospital. We compared surgical outcomes and survival between groups and identified factors negatively influencing survival.

RESULTS

Morbidity and in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between groups (Hx group, 34% and 10%, respectively; PD group, 44% and 3%; and HPD, 57% and 0%). The overall median survival time was 39 months, and overall 5-year survival (including in-hospital mortality) was 42%. Respective group values were as follows: Hx, 24 months and 31%; PD, 51 months and 49%, and HPD, 63 months and 50%. Although the number of patients was small, survival in the HPD was not influenced by the type of invasion whether widespread intramural invasion (n = 8), superficial spread (n = 4), or hepatoduodenal ligament invasion (n = 2). Multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards model) showed only perineural invasion (p = .007) and decreased curability (R1/2 resection) (p = .017) to be independent risk factors influencing survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of perihilar or distal cholangiocarcinoma, aggressive surgery must be aimed at overcoming perineural invasion. Our findings indicate that HPD improves survival of patients undergoing surgery for widespread cholangiocarcinoma in comparison to standard surgeries.

Surgical strategy for bile duct cancer: Advances and current limitations

The aim of this review is to describe recent advances and topics in the surgical management of bile duct cancer. Radical resection with a microscopically negative margin (R0) is the only way to cure cholangiocarcinoma and is associated with marked survival advantages compared to margin-positive resections. Complete resection of the tumor is the surgeon’s ultimate aim, and several advances in the surgical treatment for bile duct cancer have been made within the last two decades. Multidetector row computed tomography has emerged as an indispensable diagnostic modality for the precise preoperative evaluation of bile duct cancer, in terms of both longitudinal and vertical tumor invasion. Many meticulous operative procedures have been established, especially extended hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, to achieve a negative resection margin, which is the only prognostic factor under the control of the surgeon. A complete caudate lobectomy and resection of the inferior part of Couinaud’s segment IV coupled with right or left hemihepatectomy has become the standard surgical procedure for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is the first choice for distal bile duct cancer. Limited resection for middle bile duct cancer is indicated for only strictly selected cases. Preoperative treatments including biliary drainage and portal vein embolization are also indicated for only selected patients, especially jaundiced patients anticipating major hepatectomy. Liver transplantation seems ideal for complete resection of bile duct cancer, but the high recurrence rate and decreased patient survival after liver transplant preclude it from being considered standard treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a potentially crucial role in prolonging survival and controlling local recurrence, but no definite regimen has been established to date. Further evidence is needed to fully define the role of liver transplantation and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy.

Preoperative inflammation is a prognostic factor for gallbladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Inflammation frequently accompanies gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), but its impact on outcome is unclear. The present study investigated the impact of concomitant inflammation on survival of patients with GBC.

METHODS

All patients undergoing surgery for GBC between October 2003 and May 2009 were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. Patients were classified according to whether preoperative inflammation was present (65 patients) or not (23).

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients were enrolled. There were no differences in sex, mean age, tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage and radicality of resection between the two groups. The overall 3-year survival rate was lower in patients with preoperative inflammation than in those without (33 versus 73 per cent; P = 0·001). In univariable analysis, preoperative inflammation, T, N and M category, TNM stage, radicality of surgery and tumour differentiation were significant prognostic factors. The presence of preoperative inflammation (hazard ratio (HR) 2·38, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·04 to 5·43), lymph node metastases (HR 5·23, 1·05 to 26·09) and R1 or R2 resection (HR 3·77, 1·47 to 9·72) were independent prognostic factors for poor survival.

CONCLUSION

The presence of preoperative inflammation is an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in patients with GBC.

Neural invasion in pancreatic cancer: the past, present and future

In the past 15 years, invasion of nerves by cancer cells has escaped from its role as a mere bystander in cancer biology and turned into an attractive niche to study the heterotypic interaction between cancer cells and neurons. Today, neural invasion (NI) in pancreatic cancer (PCa) stands out due to the recent demonstration of its association with tumor progression, local recurrence and neuropathic pain. Accordingly, recent research on NI in PCa revealed the critical involvement of numerous nerve- or cancer cell-derived molecules in several novel in vitro and in vivo models of NI, which, however, still need further major improvement.

Hepatic metastasis from bile duct cancer of the ampulla is effectively controlled by multidisciplinary treatment including S-1, gemcitabine and bevacizumab: A case report

The liver is the most common site for recurrent metastases from bile duct cancer (BDC) in the ampullary area. However, the optimal chemotherapy regimen for recurrent hepatic metastases has not yet been established. An oral combined fluoropyrimidine drug, S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil), has recently been introduced alone or in combination with gemcitabine for BDC. A 67-year-old man underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for early stage distal BDC in the ampullary area. A small hepatic metastasis developed 8 months after the PD. Combined chemotherapy of S-1 (80 mg/m(2)) and gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2)) was started after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the hepatic tumor. Although complete response was achieved and maintained for 4 months with chemotherapy, there was regrowth of the tumor. We performed hepatic segmentectomy for radical treatment. Fourteen months after the hepatectomy, metastasis developed again in the remnant liver. Bevacizumab was added to the combination chemotherapy with S-1 and gemcitabine, since the cancer seemed resistant to the chemotherapy alone. The patient has been well managed for 3 years by a multidisciplinary treatment with surgery, RFA and the combination chemo-therapy on an outpatient basis. This case indicates that distal BDC even in an early stage has a more malignant potential than anticipated. The multidisciplinary treatment including surgery, RFA and combination chemotherapy of S-1, gemcitabine and bevacizumab was effective for BDC with hepatic metastasis. This chemotherapy is feasible on an outpatient basis and may be one of the treatment options for metastatic BDC.

Tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis correlate with progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the function of tumor-associated neovascularization in the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC). This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis on progression of IHC.

METHODS

We analyzed tissue specimens of IHC (N=114) by immunohistochemistry using the endothelial-specific antibody CD31 and the lymphendothelial-specific antibody D2-40 and subsequently quantified microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic microvessel density (LVD). To analyze the influence of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis on tumor progression, tumors were allocated according to mean MVD and LVD, respectively, into groups of "high" and "low" MVD and LVD, respectively, and various clinicopathological characteristics as well as recurrence and survival data were analyzed.

RESULTS

IHC revealed an induction of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Tumors of "high" MVD displayed more frequently advanced primary tumor stages and multiple tumor nodes. Furthermore, patients with tumors of "high" MVD had an inferior curative resection rate and suffered more frequently from recurrence. A "high" LVD was correlated with increased nodal spread, and patients with "high" LVD tumors more frequently developed recurrence. In the univariate analysis, MVD and LVD revealed significant influence on survival, and MVD was identified as an independent prognostic factor for survival in the multivariate analysis. The 5-year survival of patients with "low" MVD tumors was 42.1%, compared with 2.2% in patients with "high" MVD tumors (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a critical function of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis for progression of IHC. Therefore, antiangiogenic and antilymphangiogenic approaches may have therapeutic potency in this tumor entity.

Prognostic relevance of ductal margins in operative resection of bile duct cancer

BACKGROUND

The clinical relevance of the ductal margins in operative resection of bile duct carcinoma has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of ductal margins in patients with bile duct carcinoma.

METHOD

A total of 256 patients with bile duct carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. We compared clinicopathologic features, outcomes, and recurrences among patients who underwent curative resections with free margins (D-FRE: n = 185), noncurative resections only resulting from the involvement of ductal margins with carcinoma in situ (D-CIS: n = 13), noncurative resections only caused by the involvement of ductal margins with invasive foci of carcinoma (D-INV: n = 17), and noncurative resections resulting from any other margin state and/or distant metastases (OTH: n = 41).

RESULTS

Histologic grades, node involvements, T classifications, and JSBS staging were significantly associated with the ductal margin state. The 5-year survival rate by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 54.7%, 52.4%, 17.6%, and 16.7% for patients with D-FRE, D-CIS, D-INV, and OTH, respectively. A multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazards model has shown that, in addition to lymph node involvement (P = 6.6 x 10(-4)) and venous invasion (P = 2 x 10(-5)), D-FRE versus D-INV and D-FRE versus OTH, but not D-FRE versus D-CIS, were independently associated with survival with P values of 8 x 10(-4) and 1.4 x 10(-5), respectively. Taken together along with the difference in the recurrence rates, patients with D-CIS seem to have outcomes similar to D-FRE but different from D-INV or OTH.

CONCLUSION

Compared with free ductal margins, the ductal margins with invasive foci of carcinoma may involve a significant disadvantage in terms of patients' outcomes in surgical resection for bile duct carcinoma, unlike those with carcinoma in situ.

Surgical management of infrahilar/suprapancreatic cholangiocarcinoma: an analysis of the surgical procedures, surgical margins, and survivals of 77 patients

BACKGROUND

Optical surgical management of infrahilar/suprapancreatic cholangiocarcinoma remains controversial.

METHODS

Between 1988 and 2006, 77 patients with infrahilar/suprapancreatic cholangiocarcinoma underwent curative surgical resections following our intention-to-treat strategy. The clinicopathological factors affecting survival were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses with regard to the surgical procedures and surgical margins.

RESULTS

The surgical procedure included extrahepatic bile duct resection alone (EHBD; n = 17), major hepatectomy combined with extrahepatic bile duct resection (MHx; n = 26), pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD; n = 28), and MHx and concomitant PD (HPD; n = 6). Performance of MHx and/or PD in addition to EHBD increased surgical morbidity (p = 0.001). Among patients undergoing the four surgical procedures (EHBD, MHx, PD, and HPD), no significant difference was found in the incidence of positive overall surgical margins (53%, 65%, 46%, and 67%, p = 0.51) or long-term survivals (median survival time, 51, 27, 41, and 22 months, p = 0.60). A multivariate analysis revealed that perineural invasion (95% confidence interval, 1.1-12.3, p = 0.009), nodal metastasis (1.6-6.8, p = 0.001), and blood transfusion (1.1-3.9, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of a poor outcome. Perineural invasion was associated with positive radial margins (p = 0.045) and submucosal ductal infiltration (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Perineural invasion, rather than the type of surgical procedure, had a significant impact on surgical curability and survival of patients with infrahilar/suprapancreatic cholangiocarcinoma treated according to our intention-to-treat strategy.

Disease recurrence patterns after R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

There is little information regarding the clinical behaviour of hilar cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken of 79 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who had undergone major hepatectomy (three or more Couinaud segments) concomitant with caudate lobectomy, and had negative resection margins. Sites of initial disease recurrence were classified as locoregional (porta hepatis) or distant (intrahepatic, peritoneal, para-aortic lymph nodal or extra-abdominal). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the factors potentially related to recurrence.

RESULTS

Disease recurrence was observed in 42 (53 per cent) of the 79 patients. Cumulative recurrence rates at 3 and 4 years after surgery were 52 and 56 per cent respectively. Locoregional recurrence alone was observed in eight (10 per cent) and distant metastasis in 34 (43 per cent) of the 79 patients after R0 resection. Positive nodal involvement and high International Union Against Cancer tumour (T) stage were independent prognostic factors associated with distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Distant metastases are more common than locoregional recurrence after R0 resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and associated with nodal involvement and high T stage.

Carcinoma of the middle bile duct: Is bile duct segmental resection appropriate?

AIM: To compare survival between bile duct segmental resection (BDSR) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for treating distal bile duct cancers.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted for 45 patients in a BDSR group and for 149 patients in a PD group.

RESULTS: The T-stage (P < 0.001), lymph node invasion (P = 0.010) and tumor differentiation (P = 0.005) were significant prognostic factors in the BDSR group. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates for the BDSR group and PD group were 51.7% and 36.6%, respectively and 46.0% and 38.1%, respectively (P = 0.099). The BDSR group and PD group did not show any significant difference in survival when this was adjusted for the TNM stage. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were: stage Ia [BDSR (100.0% and 100.0%) vs PD (76.9% and 68.4%) (P = 0.226)]; stage Ib [BDSR (55.8% and 32.6%) vs PD (59.3% and 59.3%) (P = 0.942)]; stage IIb [BDSR (19.2% and 19.2%) vs PD (31.9% and 14.2%) (P = 0.669)].

CONCLUSION: BDSR can be justified as an alternative radical operation for patients with middle bile duct in selected patients with no adjacent organ invasion and resection margin is negative.

Advances in diagnosis, treatment and palliation of cholangiocarcinoma: 1990-2009

Several advances in diagnosis, treatment and palliation of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) have occurred in the last decades. A multidisciplinary approach to this disease is therefore recommended. CC is a relatively rare tumor and the main risk factors are: chronic inflammation, genetic predisposition and congenital abnormalities of the biliary tree. While the incidence of intra-hepatic CC is increasing, the incidence of extra-hepatic CC is trending down. The only curative treatment for CC is surgical resection with negative margins. Liver transplantation has been proposed only for selected patients with hilar CC that cannot be resected who have no metastatic disease after a period of neoadjuvant chemo-radiation therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, positron emission tomography scan, endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography scans are the most frequently used modalities for diagnosis and tumor staging. Adjuvant therapy, palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been relatively ineffective for inoperable CC. For most of these patients biliary stenting provides effective palliation. Photodynamic therapy is an emerging palliative treatment that seems to provide pain relief, improve biliary patency and increase survival. The clinical utility of other emerging therapies such as transarterial chemoembolization, hepatic arterial chemoinfusion and high intensity intraductal ultrasound needs further study.

The concept of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is valid

BACKGROUND

The term perihilar cholangiocarcinoma has been used for all tumours involving or requiring resection of the hepatic confluence. However, it does not distinguish between intrahepatic and extrahepatic hilar tumours, and has no clinicopathological basis. This retrospective study examined whether the concept of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is valid clinically.

METHODS

Some 250 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were divided into extrahepatic (EHC, 167 patients) and intrahepatic (IHC, 83) groups based on tumour location. Clinicopathological data were compared between these groups.

RESULTS

Liver, portal vein, venous and lymphatic invasion, and nodal metastasis were more common in IHCs than EHCs, whereas histological grade and incidence of perineural invasion were similar. IHCs were more advanced at the time of surgery; stage III or IV disease was found in 37.7 per cent of EHCs and 59 per cent of IHCs. Survival was marginally better for patients with EHCs than for those with IHCs (29.3 versus 20 per cent at 5 years; P = 0.057), but survival rates were similar for each tumour stage in the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification.

CONCLUSION

Combining EHC and IHC under the term perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is valid, as these tumours have comparable biological behaviour, with similar clinical management depending on stage and invasion.

Perineural invasion is a prognostic factor in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Perineural invasion is commonly observed in biliary tract cancer and is an independent prognostic factor. Since intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) develops from biliary epithelia in the liver, ICC may share the same characteristics in terms of the prognostic implications of perineural invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of perineural invasion in ICC.

METHODS

A total of 59 patients with ICC who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The numbers of nerves with and without tumor involvement were counted. The perineural invasion index (PNI) was calculated as the number of involved nerves divided by the total number of nerves examined. Predictors for perineural invasion and prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Perineural invasion was observed in 47 of 59 (80%) patients, and the median PNI was 0.082. The macroscopic tumor appearance and tumor location were significantly associated with perineural invasion (p = 0.013 and 0.032, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses (excluding seven in-hospital deaths) revealed that histologic grade, the presence of perineural invasion, nodal metastasis, and intrahepatic metastasis were independent prognostic factors. The survival rate of the patients with (n = 42) or without (n = 10) perineural invasion was 17 and 80% at 3 years; and 17 and 70% at 5 years, respectively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Perineural invasion is frequently found in patients with ICC and is an independent prognostic factor. ICC is an aggressive tumor similar to other biliary tract cancers. Because perineural invasion is a histologic marker of aggressiveness, it potentially has a role as a determinant of patient selection for adjuvant therapy.

Clinical and pathological features of primary carcinoma of the cystic duct

BACKGROUND

According to Farrar's criteria, a tumor restricted to the cystic duct is defined as cystic duct carcinoma, but this definition excludes advanced carcinoma originating from the cystic duct.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

For the purpose of this study, primary cystic duct carcinoma was defined as a tumor originating from the cystic duct. We investigated the clinicopathological features of 15 cystic duct carcinomas, including 13 that did not fit Farrar's criteria, and compared them with those of 52 cases of gallbladder carcinoma and 161 cases of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma.

RESULTS

The incidence of primary cystic duct carcinoma was 6.6% among all malignant biliary tumors. The main symptom was jaundice in 67% of cases. The operative procedures employed ranged from cholecystectomy to hepatopancreatoduodenectomy. The cases of cystic duct carcinoma and bile duct carcinoma showed a high frequency of perineural infiltration. The overall 5-year survival rate of the 15 patients was 40%.

CONCLUSION

Patients with advanced cystic duct carcinoma show a high frequency of jaundice and perineural infiltration. Our data suggest that cystic duct carcinoma may be considered a distinct subgroup of gallbladder carcinoma. Radical surgery is necessary for potentially curative resection in patients with advanced cystic duct carcinoma.

Current status of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare primary liver cancer with a global increasing trend in recent years. Symptoms tend to be vague and insidious in development, often are diagnosed at an advanced stage when only palliative approaches can be used with a median survival rate of months. Comparing with HCC, ICC tends to spread to lymph nodes early, and is rarely limited to the regional lymph nodes, with a frequent postoperative recurrence. Surgery is the only choice of curative therapy for ICC, but recently no consensus has been established for operation. Thus, more data from multiple centers and more cases are needed. Generally speaking, current adjunctive therapy cannot clearly improve survival. Further research is needed to find more effective radio- and chemotherapeutic regimens.